Mortality Rate in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with COVID-19 Infection in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mohammad  Golshan-Tafti; Sedigheh Ekraminasab; Reza Bahrami; Fatemeh Asadian

doi:10.18502/wjpn.v5i1.10126

Mohammad Golshan-Tafti Department of Pediatrics, Islamic Azad University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran
Sedigheh Ekraminasab Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Reza Bahrami Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Fatemeh Asadian Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/wjpn.v5i1.10126

Keywords: Mortality Rate, COVID-19, Pediatric, Comorbidity, Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: There is little data on the mortality rate and severity of COVID-19 infection among pediatrics. This knowledge is particularly significant because pneumonia is the main underlying cause of death in children worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the mortality rate of COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Iran.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the publications was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines to search for COVID-19 child mortality. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline databases, and Persian database were searched for publications on pediatric COVID-19 infections published in Iran with a focus on mortality in children with COVID -19 infection in Iran between January 1^st to April 30^th, 2021. Articles representing at least one Pediatric with and without comorbidities, COVID-19 infection, and informed outcomes were examined.

Results: Eight studies including three case series, and five retrospective cross-sectional studies altogether representing a total of 238 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were included in this meta-analysis. Of this population, 14 patients had died. In this study, the mean age of the study sample was 6.7 years. The mortality rate among children hospitalized with COVID-19 was 9% (95% CI 0.055-0.146). Also, children with comorbidities had a higher risk of COVID-19 related mortality.

Conclusion: Unlike adults, most infected children are asymptomatic and are not usually hospitalized. Children with underlying conditions are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 related mortality than children without underlying illness. More attention should be paid to children with comorbidities and children of young age.